In short: Not the race it could have been - a glorified fun runIn full: There is so much that is great about this event, which is what makes it all the more frustrating that a little bit more thought and effort is not put in to make it a race for runners and not just a glorifed fun run.

The baggage drop-off at the start was a very orderly and structured process but with that many runners arriving within a short time period you either need it a simpler process of just dropping off or a lot bigger to avoid the queues.

Not having any process of checking people entered the right coloured start area is not great for an event of this size if you want to attract club runners and give everyone the chance of a good time.

Not having barriers or even just tape separating the two flows of runners going up and down the embankment was poor. As was to then not have a timing chip mat at the far turn to make sure people stuck to the course.

All that aside, everything else about the event was fantastically well done, a stunning course and a great atmosphere!

Get the basics right and this race would be head and shoulders above anything else around.Date of review: October 12, 2009